What is the....
Hyperoxic Hypoxic
Paradox Protocol
According to Shai Efrati, MD, the hyperoxic-hypoxic paradox, a protocol in hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), that activates the body's regenerative process which generates new neurons and blood vessels in the brain. This regeneration process leads to better cognitive function and performance.
The Body Needs a Trigger....
The Role of Hypoxia
The key to triggering the body's greatest regenerative processes lies in hypoxia, a state where the body's oxygen levels are perceived to be lower than normal.
When the body senses hypoxia, it activates a signaling molecule called the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), which promotes the expression of genes necessary for repair and regeneration. This mechanism is crucial for the body's response to injuries and other health challenges.
The Body Needs a Trigger....
Creating the Paradox
Dr. Efrati's research focuses on creating a controlled environment in an hyperbaric oxygen chamber, where oxygen levels are artificially increased higher than normal (hyperoxia) and then rapidly decreased to back to normal during a hyperbaric oxygen therapy session.
During a 90 minute hyperbaric oxygen therapy session, the pressure inside the chamber is increased to 2 atmospheres (ata) which is 14.7 psi.
The patient breathes 100% oxygen through a mask for 20 minutes, and then removes the mask for 5 minutes and breathes 21% oxygen. 21% oxygen is the normal amount of oxygen at sea level. This mask on, mask off protocol is repeated over a 90 minute session.
The fluctuation from 100% oxygen (hyperoxia) to 21% oxygen (normal) is perceived by the body as hypoxia, thereby triggering the release of HIF and the regenerative and healing processes throughout the body.
Mechanisms of Action
Stem Cells & Regeneration
One of the most exciting aspects of this therapy is its impact on stem cells. Stem cells are the body's natural repair mechanisms, capable of regenerating damaged tissues.
Dr. Efrati noted that repeated exposure to the hyperoxic-hypoxic environment can significantly increase the number of circulating stem cells by an 800% increase, akin to levels seen in much younger individuals.
Mechanisms of Action
Angiogenesis
Another critical component of the healing process is angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels. For effective healing, the body needs adequate blood flow to deliver nutrients and oxygen to damaged tissues. The hyperoxic-hypoxic paradox not only stimulates stem cell activity but also promotes angiogenesis, ensuring that the body has the necessary infrastructure for repair.
Mechanisms of Action
Mitochondrial Function
Mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles in cells, also benefit from this therapy. By creating fluctuations in oxygen levels, the therapy produces mitogenesis, the creation of new mitochondria. The protocol also increases the size and density of mitochondria, leading to increased energy production and reduced oxidative stress. This is particularly important for tissues that require high energy, such as the brain, heart and muscles.
Mechanisms of Action
Two Key Biological Signs of Aging
Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with age, and this shortening is a marker of cellular aging.
Hyperoxic hypoxic paradox protocol has shown to increase telomere length by 20% and reversing biological aging in humans, with studies indicating significant improvements in telomere length and a decrease in senescent cells